1. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"In spite of the fact that many people believe that the best way to learn a new language is through immersion, research has shown that formal instruction can be just as, if not more, effective in language acquisition. However, for individuals with limited access to resources, immersion may be the only feasible option."
The author of the passage would most likely agree that formal instruction is
Solution
Correct: B
The author states that formal instruction can be just as, if not more, effective as immersion in language acquisition. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it reflects the author's sentiment that formal instruction can sometimes be more effective. Choice A is incorrect because the author states that formal instruction can be just as effective, not always more effective. Choice C is also incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that formal instruction is only effective for those with resources. Choice D is the opposite of what the author suggests.
2. The passage below is a excerpt from a fictional story. Read it, then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"As the clock struck midnight, a chill ran down Emily's spine. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the hallway, followed by an eerie silence. It was then that Emily knew she had to get out of there - fast."
The mood of the passage can best be described as
Solution
Correct: B
The passage sets a dark and eerie atmosphere, with the clock striking midnight, a chill running down the protagonist's spine, and a loud crash followed by an eerie silence. These elements contribute to an ominous and foreboding mood, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not evoke feelings of nostalgia or sentimentality. Choice C is also incorrect, as the passage does not convey a sense of cheerfulness or optimism. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not contain any elements of sarcasm or humor.
3. Which of the following best describes the function of the phrase "in spite of the fact that" in the sentence below?
"In spite of the fact that the new policy has been met with criticism, the company has decided to implement it."
The phrase functions as
Solution
Correct: A
The phrase "in spite of the fact that" is used to introduce a contrasting idea. In this sentence, it indicates that despite the criticism, the company has decided to implement the policy. This makes choice A the correct answer, as the phrase serves to transition to a contrasting idea. Choice B is incorrect, as the phrase does not emphasize the importance of the policy. Choice C is incorrect, as the phrase does not introduce a supporting detail. Choice D is incorrect, as the phrase does not show cause and effect.
4. The following passage is a excerpt from a nonfiction book. Read the passage and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The concept of dark matter has been a topic of debate among scientists for decades. Although it has yet to be directly observed, its presence can be inferred by its gravitational effects on visible matter. Many scientists believe that dark matter makes up a large portion of the universe's mass-energy budget."
The author's tone can best be described as
Solution
Correct: A
The author presents information about dark matter in a neutral and impartial manner, without expressing a personal opinion or emotion. The text does not contain any language that suggests the author is trying to persuade or convince the reader of a particular point of view. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer, as the author's tone is objective and neutral. Choice B is incorrect, as the author does not express any subjective or biased views. Choice C is incorrect, as the author does not convey a critical or disapproving tone. Choice D is incorrect, as the author does not attempt to persuade or argue a point.
5. Read the sentence below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"By the time I arrived at the party, most of the guests had already left."
The sentence is in the
Solution
Correct: B
The sentence is in the past perfect tense, as indicated by the phrase "had already left." This phrase shows that one event (the guests leaving) occurred before another event (the speaker arriving) in the past. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the simple past tense would not convey the same relationship between the two events. Choice C is incorrect, as the present perfect tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. Choice D is incorrect, as the past progressive tense is used to describe an ongoing action in the past.
6. The following sentence contains a pronoun with an ambiguous antecedent. Choose the best revision to clarify the ambiguity.
"When John and his friend arrived, he was greeted by the host."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an ambiguous pronoun "he," which could refer to either John or his friend. The best revision is choice A, which clearly states that John was greeted by the host. This revision eliminates the ambiguity and makes it clear who was greeted. Choice B is incorrect, as it changes the meaning of the sentence and implies that both John and his friend were greeted. Choice C is incorrect, as it still contains the ambiguous pronoun "he." Choice D is incorrect, as it also contains the ambiguous pronoun "he" and changes the subject of the sentence.
7. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The new employee was very nervous on his first day of work. However, after meeting his coworkers and receiving a warm welcome, he began to feel more at ease."
The passage suggests that the new employee's nervousness was
Solution
Correct: A
The passage states that after meeting his coworkers and receiving a warm welcome, the new employee began to feel more at ease. This suggests that the warm welcome had a positive effect on the employee's nervousness, alleviating it. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect, as the passage suggests that the meeting with coworkers had a positive effect, not a negative one. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage states that the employee's nervousness was affected by the events of the day. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that the employee's nervousness was replaced by excitement.
8. The following sentence is in the passive voice. Choose the best revision to change it to the active voice.
"The play was written by a famous playwright."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence is in the passive voice, with the focus on the play rather than the playwright. The best revision to change it to the active voice is choice A, which makes the playwright the subject of the sentence and the focus of the action. This revision is clearer and more concise than the original sentence. Choice B is incorrect, as it adds an adjective to the play, but does not change the sentence to the active voice. Choice C is incorrect, as it is still in the passive voice. Choice D is incorrect, as it is also in the passive voice and adds an unnecessary article.
9. Read the paragraph below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The new policy has been met with significant opposition from the community. Many residents are concerned that it will lead to increased costs and decreased services. Despite this, the city council has decided to move forward with the plan."
The author's purpose in writing this paragraph is most likely to
Solution
Correct: B
The paragraph provides a neutral and objective summary of the new policy and its potential consequences, without expressing a personal opinion or emotion. The text does not attempt to persuade the reader or entertain them with a story. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer, as the author's purpose is to inform the reader about the new policy. Choice A is incorrect, as the paragraph does not contain any persuasive language or arguments in favor of the policy. Choice C is incorrect, as the paragraph does not express any criticism of the city council. Choice D is incorrect, as the paragraph is not written in a style that is intended to entertain the reader.
10. Read the sentence below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The company will hire whoever is most qualified for the job, regardless of their background or experience."
The sentence implies that the company's hiring policy is
Solution
Correct: B
The sentence states that the company will hire whoever is most qualified for the job, regardless of their background or experience. This implies that the company's hiring policy is based solely on the candidate's qualifications, without considering other factors such as background or experience. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the sentence suggests the opposite, that the company's policy is not discriminatory. Choice C is incorrect, as the sentence does not mention personal connections as a factor in the hiring decision. Choice D is incorrect, as the sentence states that the company's policy is regardless of experience.
11. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The city's population has been growing rapidly over the past decade. As a result, there is a severe shortage of affordable housing. To address this issue, the city council has proposed a new development plan that includes the construction of low-income housing units."
The passage suggests that the primary motivation behind the city council's proposal is to
Solution
Correct: C
The passage states that the city council has proposed a new development plan in response to the severe shortage of affordable housing. This suggests that the primary motivation behind the proposal is to address the housing shortage, making choice C the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not mention tax revenue as a motivation for the proposal. Choice B is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that the proposal is intended to stimulate economic growth. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not mention attracting new businesses as a motivation for the proposal.
12. The following sentence contains an example of personification. Choose the best revision to eliminate the personification.
"The sun smiled down on us as we walked through the park."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an example of personification, as it gives the sun human-like qualities by saying it "smiled". The best revision to eliminate the personification is choice A, which replaces the personified verb "smiled" with the more literal and neutral verb "shone". This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the personification. Choice B is incorrect, as it changes the focus of the sentence and adds a new idea. Choice C is incorrect, as it uses a different verb that still gives the sun an active role. Choice D is incorrect, as it changes the sentence to focus on the effect of the sun's warmth rather than its action.
13. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The new policy has been the subject of much controversy in recent weeks. While some argue that it is a necessary step forward, others claim that it is a setback for the community. Despite the disagreement, the policy is scheduled to go into effect next month."
The author's purpose in writing this passage is most likely to
Solution
Correct: B
The passage provides a neutral and objective summary of the new policy and the controversy surrounding it, without expressing a personal opinion or emotion. The text does not attempt to persuade the reader or entertain them with a story. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer, as the author's purpose is to inform the reader about the new policy. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not contain any persuasive language or arguments in favor of the policy. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage does not express any criticism of the policy or its supporters. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage is not written in a style that is intended to entertain the reader.
14. Read the sentence below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The company's profits have increased significantly over the past year, due in large part to the efforts of the marketing team."
The sentence implies that the marketing team's efforts were
Solution
Correct: B
The sentence states that the company's profits have increased due in large part to the efforts of the marketing team. The phrase "due in large part" suggests that the marketing team's efforts were a significant factor, but not the only factor, in the company's increased profits. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the sentence does not suggest that the marketing team's efforts were the sole reason for the increase. Choice C is incorrect, as the sentence clearly states that the marketing team's efforts were related to the increase. Choice D is incorrect, as the sentence suggests that the marketing team's efforts were a major contributing factor, not a minor one.
15. The following sentence contains an example of hyperbole. Choose the best revision to eliminate the hyperbole.
"I'm so hungry I could eat a whole elephant."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: B
The original sentence contains an example of hyperbole, as it exaggerates the speaker's hunger by saying they could eat a whole elephant. The best revision to eliminate the hyperbole is choice B, which replaces the exaggeration with a more literal and realistic statement. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the hyperbole. Choice A is incorrect, as it is too vague and does not convey the same level of hunger as the original sentence. Choice C is incorrect, as it is still somewhat exaggerated. Choice D is incorrect, as it changes the tone of the sentence to be more urgent and dramatic.
16. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The city's public transportation system is in need of reform. The current system is inefficient and often overcrowded, leading to frustration among commuters. To address these issues, the city has proposed a new plan to expand and improve the system."
The passage suggests that the primary goal of the city's proposed plan is to
Solution
Correct: C
The passage states that the city's public transportation system is in need of reform due to its inefficiency and overcrowding, and that the proposed plan aims to address these issues. This suggests that the primary goal of the plan is to improve the efficiency and reduce overcrowding of the system, making choice C the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that increasing costs is a goal of the plan. Choice B is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that reducing the number of commuters is a goal of the plan. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not mention attracting new businesses as a goal of the plan.
17. The following sentence contains a dangling modifier. Choose the best revision to eliminate the dangling modifier.
"Having studied all night, the exam was easy."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains a dangling modifier, as the phrase "Having studied all night" is meant to describe the subject of the sentence, but the subject is actually "the exam", which cannot study. The best revision to eliminate the dangling modifier is choice A, which adds the subject "I" to the sentence, making it clear who had studied all night. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the dangling modifier. Choice B is incorrect, as it changes the sentence to a cause-and-effect structure, which is not the same as the original sentence. Choice C is incorrect, as it still contains a dangling modifier. Choice D is incorrect, as it adds a vague pronoun "me" to the sentence, which is not necessary.
18. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The new employee was very nervous on his first day of work. However, after meeting his coworkers and receiving a warm welcome, he began to feel more at ease. As the day went on, he became more confident and started to contribute to the team."
The passage suggests that the new employee's nervousness was
Solution
Correct: A
The passage states that after meeting his coworkers and receiving a warm welcome, the new employee began to feel more at ease. This suggests that the warm welcome had a positive effect on the employee's nervousness, alleviating it. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect, as the passage suggests that the meeting with coworkers had a positive effect, not a negative one. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage states that the employee's nervousness was affected by the events of the day. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that the employee's nervousness was replaced by boredom.
19. The following sentence contains an example of allusion. Choose the best revision to eliminate the allusion.
"Their love was a Romeo and Juliet story, destined to end in tragedy."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an example of allusion, as it references the famous story of Romeo and Juliet to convey the idea that the couple's love is destined to end in tragedy. The best revision to eliminate the allusion is choice A, which replaces the reference to Romeo and Juliet with a more literal and descriptive phrase. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the allusion. Choice B is incorrect, as it changes the tone of the sentence to be more positive and optimistic. Choice C is incorrect, as it is still somewhat allusive and suggests a brief and intense romance. Choice D is incorrect, as it changes the tone of the sentence to be more exciting and adventurous.
20. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The city's new recycling program has been successful in reducing waste and increasing the amount of materials being recycled. However, some residents have expressed concerns about the program's cost and effectiveness."
The passage suggests that the primary benefit of the recycling program is
Solution
Correct: B
The passage states that the recycling program has been successful in reducing waste and increasing the amount of materials being recycled. This suggests that the primary benefit of the program is to increase the amount of materials being recycled, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not mention cost reduction as a primary benefit. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage does not mention improving the city's appearance as a benefit. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not mention generating revenue as a benefit.
21. The following sentence contains an example of onomatopoeia. Choose the best revision to eliminate the onomatopoeia.
"The firework exploded with a loud boom, lighting up the night sky."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an example of onomatopoeia, as the word "boom" imitates the sound of the firework exploding. The best revision to eliminate the onomatopoeia is choice A, which replaces the onomatopoeic word with a more descriptive phrase. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the onomatopoeia. Choice B is incorrect, as it still contains a vague reference to a loud noise. Choice C is incorrect, as it still contains an onomatopoeic word, "report". Choice D is incorrect, as it changes the focus of the sentence to the visual effect of the firework, rather than the sound.
22. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The new employee was struggling to keep up with the workload. However, after receiving some guidance and support from his colleagues, he was able to improve his performance and become a valuable member of the team."
The passage suggests that the new employee's improvement was due to
Solution
Correct: B
The passage states that after receiving guidance and support from his colleagues, the new employee was able to improve his performance. This suggests that the guidance and support were the primary factors in the employee's improvement, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that the employee's natural ability and talent were the primary factors in his improvement. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that the employee's lack of motivation and dedication were the reasons for his initial struggles. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the company's management and leadership as factors in the employee's improvement.
23. The following sentence contains an example of euphemism. Choose the best revision to eliminate the euphemism.
"The company is undergoing a restructuring, which will result in the elimination of several positions."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an example of euphemism, as the phrase "elimination of several positions" is a gentle way of saying that employees will be fired. The best revision to eliminate the euphemism is choice A, which replaces the euphemistic phrase with a more direct and honest statement. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the euphemism. Choice B is incorrect, as it still contains a euphemistic phrase, "laying off". Choice C is incorrect, as it still contains a euphemistic phrase, "downsizing". Choice D is incorrect, as it still contains a euphemistic phrase, "making adjustments to its workforce".
24. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The city's new bike-share program has been a huge success, with thousands of residents using the bicycles every day. However, some residents have expressed concerns about the safety of the program, citing the lack of dedicated bike lanes and the risk of accidents."
The passage suggests that the primary concern of the residents who oppose the bike-share program is
Solution
Correct: B
The passage states that some residents have expressed concerns about the safety of the program, citing the lack of dedicated bike lanes and the risk of accidents. This suggests that the primary concern of these residents is the safety of the program, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the cost of the program as a concern. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the convenience of the program as a concern. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the environmental impact of the program as a concern.
25. The following sentence contains an example of metaphor. Choose the best revision to eliminate the metaphor.
"The city was a beast, devouring everything in its path."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an example of metaphor, as it compares the city to a beast. The best revision to eliminate the metaphor is choice A, which replaces the metaphor with a more literal and descriptive phrase. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the metaphor. Choice B is incorrect, as it changes the tone of the sentence to be more positive and cheerful. Choice C is incorrect, as it still contains a metaphorical description of the city as a "complex and dynamic system". Choice D is incorrect, as it changes the tone of the sentence to be more negative and critical.
26. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The new policy has been met with significant opposition from the community. Many residents are concerned that it will lead to increased costs and decreased services. Despite this, the city council has decided to move forward with the plan."
The passage suggests that the city council's decision to move forward with the plan is
Solution
Correct: B
The passage states that despite the significant opposition from the community, the city council has decided to move forward with the plan. This suggests that the city council's decision is not a response to the community's concerns, but rather a sign that the city council is not taking the community's concerns into account. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that the city council's decision is a response to the community's concerns. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that the city council is committed to making difficult decisions. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that the city council carefully considered the community's feedback.
27. The following sentence contains an example of simile. Choose the best revision to eliminate the simile.
"The city was like a puzzle, with many different pieces that needed to be fitted together."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an example of simile, as it compares the city to a puzzle using the word "like". The best revision to eliminate the simile is choice A, which replaces the simile with a more literal and descriptive phrase. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the simile. Choice B is incorrect, as it changes the tone of the sentence to be more negative and critical. Choice C is incorrect, as it changes the tone of the sentence to be more positive and cheerful. Choice D is incorrect, as it changes the tone of the sentence to be more negative and critical.
28. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The company's new product has been a huge success, with sales exceeding expectations. However, some analysts have expressed concerns about the product's long-term viability and the company's ability to sustain its growth."
The passage suggests that the analysts' concerns are primarily focused on
Solution
Correct: B
The passage states that some analysts have expressed concerns about the product's long-term viability and the company's ability to sustain its growth. This suggests that the analysts' concerns are primarily focused on the company's long-term growth and sustainability, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the company's short-term profitability as a concern. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the product's environmental impact or social responsibility as a concern. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the company's ability to innovate and stay ahead of the competition as a concern.
29. The following sentence contains an example of oxymoron. Choose the best revision to eliminate the oxymoron.
"The deafening silence was a welcome relief after the loud music."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an example of oxymoron, as the phrase "deafening silence" combines two contradictory words to create a vivid and striking image. The best revision to eliminate the oxymoron is choice A, which replaces the oxymoronic phrase with a more literal and descriptive phrase. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the oxymoron. Choice B is incorrect, as it still contains a somewhat contradictory phrase, "peaceful silence". Choice C is incorrect, as it still contains a somewhat contradictory phrase, "eerie stillness". Choice D is incorrect, as it still contains a somewhat contradictory phrase, "calming quiet".
30. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The city's new public transportation system has been a huge success, with ridership exceeding expectations. However, some residents have expressed concerns about the system's impact on traffic and parking in the area."
The passage suggests that the primary benefit of the public transportation system is
Solution
Correct: D
The passage states that the city's new public transportation system has been a huge success, with ridership exceeding expectations. This suggests that the primary benefit of the system is to provide a convenient and affordable way for residents to get around the city, making choice D the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not mention reducing traffic and parking congestion as a primary benefit. Choice B is incorrect, as the passage mentions increasing ridership, but not as the primary benefit. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage does not mention improving air quality and reducing pollution as a benefit.
31. The following sentence contains an example of idiom. Choose the best revision to eliminate the idiom.
"The company is going to have to think outside the box to stay competitive in the market."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an example of idiom, as the phrase "think outside the box" means to be more innovative and creative. The best revision to eliminate the idiom is choice A, which replaces the idiomatic phrase with a more literal and descriptive phrase. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the idiom. Choice B is incorrect, as it changes the meaning of the sentence to be more conservative and traditional. Choice C is incorrect, as it still contains a somewhat idiomatic phrase, "take a risk and try something new". Choice D is incorrect, as it changes the meaning of the sentence to be more focused on cost reduction and efficiency.
32. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The new employee was excited to start her new job, but she was also nervous about meeting her new coworkers. However, after a warm welcome and a thorough orientation, she was able to relax and feel more at ease."
The passage suggests that the new employee's nervousness was
Solution
Correct: A
The passage states that after a warm welcome and a thorough orientation, the new employee was able to relax and feel more at ease. This suggests that the warm welcome and thorough orientation had a positive effect on the employee's nervousness, alleviating it. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect, as the passage suggests that the meeting with coworkers had a positive effect, not a negative one. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage states that the employee's nervousness was affected by the events of the day. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not suggest that the employee's nervousness was replaced by excitement and enthusiasm.
33. The following sentence contains an example of hyperbole. Choose the best revision to eliminate the hyperbole.
"I'm so tired I've been awake for a million years."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an example of hyperbole, as the phrase "a million years" is an exaggeration. The best revision to eliminate the hyperbole is choice A, which replaces the hyperbolic phrase with a more literal and descriptive phrase. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the hyperbole. Choice B is incorrect, as it still contains a somewhat exaggerated phrase, "a very long time". Choice C is incorrect, as it still contains a somewhat exaggerated phrase, "so exhausted that I can barely keep my eyes open". Choice D is incorrect, as it changes the tone of the sentence to be more casual and understated.
34. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The city's new recycling program has been successful in reducing waste and increasing the amount of materials being recycled. However, some residents have expressed concerns about the program's impact on the local economy."
The passage suggests that the primary benefit of the recycling program is
Solution
Correct: B
The passage states that the recycling program has been successful in reducing waste and increasing the amount of materials being recycled. This suggests that the primary benefit of the program is to increase the amount of materials being recycled, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage mentions reducing waste, but not as the primary benefit. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage does not mention stimulating economic growth and creating jobs as a benefit. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not mention reducing the city's carbon footprint and mitigating climate change as a benefit.
35. The following sentence contains an example of personification. Choose the best revision to eliminate the personification.
"The wind whispered through the trees, its soft voice a gentle lullaby."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: A
The original sentence contains an example of personification, as it gives the wind human-like qualities by saying it "whispered" and had a "soft voice". The best revision to eliminate the personification is choice A, which replaces the personified verb "whispered" with a more literal and descriptive phrase. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the personification. Choice B is incorrect, as it changes the focus of the sentence to the trees rather than the wind. Choice C is incorrect, as it still contains a personified verb, "howled". Choice D is incorrect, as it changes the sentence to be more negative and static, rather than dynamic and peaceful.
36. Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The company's new product has been a huge success, with sales exceeding expectations. However, some analysts have expressed concerns about the product's long-term viability and the company's ability to sustain its growth."
The passage suggests that the analysts' concerns are primarily focused on
Solution
Correct: B
The passage states that some analysts have expressed concerns about the product's long-term viability and the company's ability to sustain its growth. This suggests that the analysts' concerns are primarily focused on the product's impact on the company's long-term financial health, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect, as the passage does not mention short-term sales targets as a concern. Choice C is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the company's ability to innovate and stay ahead of the competition as a concern. Choice D is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the product's potential to disrupt the market and create new opportunities as a concern.
37. The following sentence contains an example of symbolism. Choose the best revision to eliminate the symbolism.
"The green light at the end of the dock symbolized hope and a new beginning for the characters."
The best revision is
Solution
Correct: C
The original sentence contains an example of symbolism, as the green light is used to represent the abstract concept of hope and a new beginning. The best revision to eliminate the symbolism is choice C, which replaces the symbolic interpretation with a more literal and descriptive phrase. This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while avoiding the symbolism. Choice A is incorrect, as it still contains a symbolic interpretation of the green light. Choice B is incorrect, as it changes the focus of the sentence to the dock rather than the green light. Choice D is incorrect, as it changes the sentence to be more casual and social, rather than symbolic and meaningful.
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